The first wave of NFL free agency is through, and most prominent names are signed to new teams. Now it’s time to shift our attention to the draft. The Tennessee Titans will be on the clock in just over a month. Here is our early top-ten mock draft.
1. Tennessee Titans – Abdul Carter, EDGE
Carolina Panthers, Abdul Carter
Oct 5, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter (11) walks off the field following the game against the UCLA Bruins at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
The Titans haven’t made any major moves at quarterback in free agency. But Tennessee doesn’t seem too eager to land a QB first overall, and in a weak class, they turn their attention to the top overall prospect, Abdul Carter. Carter dominated in his first year as an edge rusher, and will provide the Titans with an elite pass-rusher. The Titans give Will Levis one more chance, and focus on the loaded 2026 QB class.
2. Cleveland Browns – Cam Ward, QB
Dolphins Rams
Sep 21, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) throws a pass against the South Florida Bulls in the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The Browns are a completely different story. While some teams can wait for next year’s QB class, Cleveland needs to find a franchise guy. Deshaun Watson is going to miss extended time next season, and even healthy he’s barley a top-32 quarterback. The Browns draft the top QB in this class and start yet another rebuild.
3. New York Giants – Shedeur Sanders, QB
Joe Burrow
Nov 23, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) warms up during the 4th quarter between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Colorado Buffaloes at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images
The Giants have been linked to Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson in free agency. Even if they sign on of those guys, they will play for two season at the most. New York is desperate for a quarterback, and grab Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. It seems like New York would be more than willing to let Sanders sit behind Rodgers or Wilson before he takes over.
4. New England Patriots – Travis Hunter, CB/WR
travis hunter nfl draft
Sep 28, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) scores a touchdown against the UCF Knights during the first quarter at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Travis Hunter is a unique case. He’s arguably the best overall player in this draft, but their is some questions about where he will play. Hunter has claimed he wants to play full-time receiver and corner. That may turn some teams off, but this is perfect for New England. The Patriots could use a weapon for Drake Maye and running mate for Christian Gonzalez. Even if he only plays one position, he’s an elite talent and the Patriots take a swing on the Heisman winner.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Mason Graham, DT
mason graham nfl draft
Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham (55) celebrates a play against Ohio State during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
Last season Jacksonville struggled in the trenches on both sides of the ball. They use the fifth overall pick to land Mason Graham. He was a force at Michigan, starting all three season he was there. He will provide the Jags with an defensive anchor and open up more one-on-one matchups for Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker.
6. Las Vegas Raiders – Ashton Jeanty, RB
Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Las Vegas and Pete Carroll use the sixth overall pick to land his next Marshawn Lynch. Last season the Raiders had the league’s worst running back room, so they add the Heisman runner-up to give Vegas a serious threat. They still need to improve their offensive line, but with a back like Jeanty, he could still easily surpass 1,000 yards in year one.
7. New York Jets – Tyler Warren, TE
Penn State Nittany Lions, Tyler Warren
Nov 16, 2024; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Tyler Warren (44) smiles after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
It doesn’t look like New York is going to re-sign Tyler Conklin, so they add the top tight end prospect in the draft seventh overall. The Jets have a lot of holes of offensive, and Warren is the perfect player to help patch a lot of those holes. Not only will he be a safety blanket for newly-signed quarterback back, Justin Fields, but also is a more than willing blocker in the run game. He’s also a gadget guy who took snaps at every position on offense, even the line, which is perfect for Tanner Engstrand.
8. Carolina Panthers – Jalon Walker, LB
jalon walker nfl draft
Dec 7, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jalon Walker (11) reacts against the Texas Longhorns during the first half in the 2024 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The Panthers have spent the offseason upgrading their defense. They continue that trend here and grab their defensive quarterback in Jalon Walker. He was elite at Georgia as an off-ball linebacker and edge rusher. Adding Walker could turn this Carolina defense from good to great in 2025. The Panthers get their next Luke Kuechly with the eight overall pick.
9. New Orleans Saints – Mykel Williams, EDGE
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Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) is defended by Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams (13) during a football game between Tennessee and Georgia at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023.
The Saints are entering a complete rebuild. They use the ninth overall pick to grab a defensive cornerstone in edge rusher Mykel Williams. With Cameron Jordan likely entering his final NFL season, the Saints need a new identity on defense and Williams could fit that mold.
10. Chicago Bears – Will Campbell, OT
LSU Tigers, Will Campbell
Sep 14, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; LSU Tigers offensive tackle Will Campbell (66) warms up before a game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears complete their offensive line rebuild with grabbing a blindside blocker for Caleb Williams. Will Campbell is a true left tackle who can be an anchor for Chicago’s new front five. While there are some physical concerns about Campbell, mainly his arm length, he was an elite blocker in the SEC and would be a steal at tenth overall.
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